Yahoo Autos Magnussen prioritizing F1 race seat, wouldn’t take Haas reserve role
Kevin Magnussen says his priority is securing another race seat in Formula 1 after learning he will lose his place at Haas at the end of the season, and a reserve role is off the table even if he’s open to other collaborations.
Announcing Magnussen’s departure on Thursday morning, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated his desire to maintain links with the Dane in some capacity. With vacancies still remaining for 2025 at Mercedes, Alpine, Williams and Stake, Magnussen says his focus is trying to earn himself one of those seats as he feels all offer enticing projects.
“Would I have liked to continue here? I think had I continued, it would have been cool to see the fruits of the momentum that’s been built here recently,” Magnussen said. “That would have been interesting, but I think there’s also other interesting projects out there, and there’s still seats available in Formula 1.
“Of course, Carlos [Sainz] is still holding up all that process, but eventually it’s going to move. So, right now, I think the best thing is just to focus on doing good races and then up being contention for these seats available, and things will fall into place eventually.
“I hope I can stay in Formula 1. I think there’s some interesting seats available. I think all the teams by now in Formula 1 are interesting. The whole bunch… You could look at any team and say they might be a top five team next year. Everyone’s so tightly together.
“It feels like there’s still interesting opportunities. Although Haas is in a good position right now, you could say it’s a pity because they’re doing so well right now, but everything could change next year. One of the other seats could be more competitive. You never know.”
Based on that target, Magnussen says he couldn’t collaborate with Haas next year, but even if his career takes him to another series he would be less interested in a reserve role.
“If I’m racing elsewhere in Formula 1 in another team, it doesn’t work [to have a role at Haas],” he said. “But I think it’s nice of [Komatsu] to say that. If I won’t be racing in Formula 1 next year, then absolutely I’ll definitely look at that and get some kind of role advisory or however they see fit.
“I’ve been with this team for many years now and know the operation very well. I have a lot of experience in Formula 1, so it would be good to keep making use of that instead of just leaving the sport altogether.
“I don’t think I would be interested in a reserve driver role. If I’m able to take some kind of role with Haas, it means that I didn’t land a seat in Formula 1 of course. I wouldn’t want to just go to every race. I’d want to focus on other things that would be exciting and fulfilling for me. I think being a reserve driver waiting around for someone to break his leg, I don’t think that’s very exciting.”
At 31 years old, Magnussen has already raced in IMSA and made one IndyCar start in 2021, and he says there are a number of exciting series he would target if an F1 race seat isn’t possible next year, with his past experiences leaving him calm about his options.
“I don’t see myself putting an end to racing, you know, anytime soon. So, I’m in Formula 1, it’s the pinnacle of motorsport, but I’ve always been of the opinion that racing outside of Formula 1 is also awesome.
“So, I think while you have a chance to be here, you need to do that. It is the top of motorsport. I’ve had a few chances [elsewhere] but you don’t get a chance every day to race in Formula 1. So it’s natural that everyone tries to stay here.
“I think there is a lot [of exciting racing outside F1]. In 2021, I was out of F1, but I was racing in IMSA. It’s actually quite a busy schedule. You’re going to America 11 or 12 times during the year. It wasn’t a quiet year, but it was at least a very different year.
“You have to remember my whole life since I was a little kid was about getting to Formula 1. Then I’ve had 10 years in the sport. It was interesting and exciting to see a different side of life in 2021. It wasn’t frightening — it was actually very positive and fun.
“I think that changed my mindset. I had a lot of fear before that of losing Formula 1 because I didn’t know what was on the outside. That showed me, hold on to Formula 1 as long as you can, but don’t fear the outside. The afterlife is going to be good.”
